BMEX boosts the appeal

The Barbados Manufacturers’ Association is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and it is pulling out all the stops for its flagship exhibition BMEX, slated for June 7 to 9 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Speaking of the plans for this year’s show, Executive Director Bobbi McKay said 2014 is a big year for the BMA and the association wants to reflect that in this year’s show.

“Our history is rich and it has not been an easy road getting to this point; some of the terrain has been particularly treacherous and so the fact that we have reached this milestone as an organization is more than reason to celebrate. This year our aim is to do things very differently, continue to ‘up the appeal’ of the Expo and to give patrons what they have come to expect from BMEX – a world class show,” she said.

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve the Expo; for the patrons and for the exhibitors. Again this year we want to make it easier for patrons to enjoy the show and so tickets are available in advance; we have found that this significantly reduces the transaction times at the door and makes for a better show,” she added.

Patrons can expect all the crowd favourites again this year. Apart from the nightly entertainment, the runway will sizzle each evening from 8:30 pm with the latest in ladies and gents fashion.

This year’s fashion extravaganza is themed Up Close and Personal, One More Time and the runway will explode with talent from the past; models who have been featured at BMEX at some point in its history will take to the runway once again. June 7 will feature the work of Pat Brathwaite of Paju Designs while Wayne Smith’s designs will take over the runway the following night.

“There is a real buzz in the air as we see the anticipation in the faces of the exhibitors as to what this year’s show will hold for them,” said president of the BMA Karlene Nicholls.

“Many businesses have been experiencing financial challenges but they still recognise that promotion and advertising of their products and services is the key to increasing sales and ensuring sustainability. The BMEX brand has become so strong that many manufacturers, producers and service providers still have confidence that BMEX is the ideal platform to draw much needed attention to their businesses.”

She said over the years the BMA has worked with exhibitors to ensure a high quality show.

“Our standards are high but this is what the public demands and we are willing to work with those exhibitors who need help. Through partners like the Barbados Investment Development Corporation we are able to access labelling and packaging assistance to help improve product appeal.

“Our New Product Showcase is a good example of how we look to assist manufacturers and promote creativity and innovation. This showcase will feature ten businesses which have undergone a selection process in order to be featured at BMEX2014. In preparation for the exhibition they would have been provided with mentoring assistance and BIDC is giving guidance with respect to product readiness. There will be something for everyone and we are expecting quite a show,” Nicholls added.

There will be also be lots to see in the Furniture, Food And Beverage, Design And Construction Products Pavilion. The Kids Junction will also be filled with activity with a nightly dance off for the kids. Parents and guardians are afforded the opportunity to view the exhibits and take in all the action the Expo has to offer with the peace of mind that their young wards are safely being looked after by the Kids Junction team.

Locally made, top of the line furniture will be on display as well.Manufacturers will have some of their best work on display at BMEX this year.

BMEX will run from 10 am to 10 pm on each night.

Tickets are available from Super Centre Oistins, JB’s, Big B and Sunset Crest, DaCosta Mannings Warrens, Pierhead and Sheraton Centre as well as Clear Vision Optical at #11, Pine Road. Belleville. A ticket booth will also be set up at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre during the days of the show to facilitate easy access.

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